ZF Awarded the ETM Award 2026
Technology group ZF has been honored with the ETM Award “Best of New Transportation 2026” in the Safety – Innovative Concepts category, following the prestigious readers’ vote organized by the German media outlets eurotransport.de, trans aktuell and FERNFAHRER.
This distinction rewards the advanced driver assistance system OnGuardMAX, developed by ZF for commercial vehicles. Recognized by manufacturers, fleet operators and professional drivers, the system illustrates the group’s commitment to ever-safer road transport.
A benchmark for the transport industry
The ETM Publishing “Best of New Transportation” awards are considered a true barometer of the commercial vehicle sector in Germany. Each year, they highlight the technologies and innovations most appreciated by transport professionals.
In the 2026 edition, ZF reached first place in the category dedicated to safety thanks to its OnGuardMAX system, praised for its level of innovation and its potential to improve road safety.
OnGuardMAX: Enhanced Safety for Heavy Trucks
OnGuardMAX is capable of detecting collision risks with moving or stationary vehicles, as well as with pedestrians and cyclists located in the vehicle’s path or nearby. In the event of no driver reaction, the system can automatically initiate full emergency braking.
The system also incorporates adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go functionality for dense traffic situations, as well as lane keeping assistance on highways. Designed to support vehicles toward increasing levels of automation, OnGuardMAX already enables Level 2 automated driving functions.
Recognition from the Field
“This first place in the safety category is a great source of pride for our teams,” said Martin Mayer, Head of ADAS Systems within ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division, during the award ceremony held on June 11 in Stuttgart.
“The readers’ vote, bringing together manufacturers, fleet managers and professional drivers, confirms that we are making the right choices in product development.”
This recognition is even more significant because it comes directly from the users and decision-makers of the sector, who face road transport safety and efficiency challenges every day.
Toward Integrated Safety for the Entire Vehicle Combination
ZF intends to continue its efforts to improve the safety, comfort and efficiency of road transport. Among its priority areas is strengthening integration between tractor and trailer in order to develop safety systems covering the entire road combination.
The objective is to leverage the group’s expertise in onboard systems and driver assistance technologies to prepare the future generations of connected and automated commercial vehicles.
Another Recognition for ZF Innovation
This award, granted by the readers of ETM Group publications, a reference in the German specialized press, confirms ZF’s position among the most innovative players in the commercial vehicle sector and highlights its leading role in the development of tomorrow’s safety technologies.
